nu

Everyday

1. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet, written Ν (capital) and ν (small); it sounds like English «n». tree →
2. (Yiddish, informal) A word meaning «well?», «so?» or «come on», heard in some Jewish families' English. tree →
3. Sometimes a playful spelling of «new» in brand names («nu-look»). tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science, the small letter ν (nu) is used for frequency in physics or for numbers in some formulas; it looks like a small v, so pupils often mix them up. In the Greek alphabet lessons: alpha, beta, … mu, nu, xi. In stories, a Yiddish-speaking grandparent saying «Nu?» means «Well? Go on!». Not a common English word on its own.

Examples

• Nu is the Greek letter that comes after mu. tree →
• The small letter nu looks like a v. tree →
• In physics, nu can stand for frequency. tree →
• «Nu? Are you going to eat your soup or not?» asked Bubbe. tree →
• The alphabet song in Greek goes «…lambda, mu, nu, xi…». tree →
• The shop sign said «Nu Look Hair» instead of «New Look». tree →

Note

Not an ordinary English word: it is a Greek letter name, a Yiddish interjection, or a playful spelling of «new». Pronounced «new» or «noo». Trap: in printed formulas ν (nu) and v (vee) look almost the same.